Battery still draining...aftermarket Radio

[r1_addict]

Well,

My battery just cant hold a charge longer than 3 days without having to be jumped! At first I have put in a new optima with the same results.

I have an aftermarket stereo system with amps. There was a 2amp draw between the battery and amps so the chevy dealy charged me and sent me on my whay. However, this problem existed prior to the new stereo. I have since pulled fuse #5 (radio) and disconnected the amps from the battery, the problem presist. I asked a local stereo shop and they said they have seen this before in a GM and it was caused by the fatory amp.

Is there one hidden somplace other that those on the factory Bose speakers? I am going NUTS!!

 

[atmmac]

sounds like a possible voltage regulator to me. have it checked out.

 

[1998C5]

If misery loves company here's my sad story.

Hi Bill,

Brother can I relate to your situation. :cry
My 1998 Coupe never had any battery drain until I had an Escort 8500 hardwired in about five months ago. Although it was only powered when the key is in the "acc or on" position if I didn't start my card at least every three days it was deader than a doornail. I took it back to the installer who said he could not find anything wrong so I had my battery checked and after being told it was defective even though it was only a few months old I replaced it.
Everthing seemed OK until five weeks ago when I gutted the OEM Bose and put in a flip out LCD/tuner, new sub amp and speakers. Now its the SOS...every three days and then flatline. :confused :cry
I guess I'll take the stereo system "offline" and see what happens and then...?

Good Luck and I'll let you know what I find out on my '98. Please let me know what you find out as well.

Have fun and keep the trickle charger handy,

 

[r1_addict]

That is EXACTLY what is happening to me. There must be somthing more than meets the eye here! I have an AAlpine head unit and three MTX amps. All nw JL Audio in the doors and rear. There must be a ghost in our cars!!

 

[1998C5]

Battery drain diagnostic..

Bill,
I'm taking the '98 in for an electrical diagnostics check this Monday.
I'll let you know what I learn.
Dave

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
You will have a few different amplifiers in your car.
One in each of the front speaker assemblies, one is also in the radio.
The amplifier control box is under the drivers side dash, and is gold anodized in color.
You could unplug that if you wish, but your amplifiers will not work.
Are you absolutely sure its the radio system, and not something else???
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[r1_addict]

That is the only electrical component I have changed. My dealer ran a meter across the battery and amp power cable and found a 2am draw and 30 mil amp when it was disconnected, so the told me it was self inflicted and sent me on my way. I want to do what I can. If I can't solve it, then at least I can know it is not the radio and warrentee will do the rest!

Bill

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Well, I would still be curious. I do not know how the draw test was done in your case, however, I would have been removing fuses first, before disconnection of individual components.
That box, retreives data from each of the following, speaker assemblies, and the radio.
So, now, if the radio does not initiate the off signal command, it may stay live.
This, I have been seeing alot with aftermarket radios.
Just a thought, c4c5

 

[Ken Anderson]

GM designed the radio system to be part of the C-5's "electrical system" and no aftermarket radio will work with their system without special installation and computer interfaces. It was designed that way on purpose. Normal draw for the car's computer systems is 30 milliamps. Anything more will drain the battery and if you jump start your car with a dead battery then you kill the alternator and the dash cluster and on & on.. An aftermarket radio could be installed by an expert who knows how to interface with GM's design, but, you probably won't find any "experts" at the local stereo shop. You must take your car back to your installer and demand a refund or a repair. As you see, most GM dealers check for non stock accessories and then battery drain and then send you on your way.
I know you will hate me for this, but what's wrong with the factory Bose system?
In addition there are accessory wires near the BCM for use in installing radar detectors. Use them and your battery drain is corrected.
I would also suggest that when you replace your battery that you buy an AGM battery to protect the electronics undeneath.
Good luck to all who want aftermarket electrical accessories--
search for an installer with experience and a GUARANTEE!

 

[1998C5]

Diagnostics results

Hi Bill,

Just got my stereo system fixed (so far so good). It turns out when the aftermarket DVD player was installed they wired it to the center console cigarette lighter which resulted in a constant draw of .65 amp and a dead battery every 48 hours or so.
The installer rewired the player to a power source that is only on when the key is in the acc or on position.
Have you already fixed your power drain and if not I hope this info helps.

Dave

 

[r1_addict]

I have yet to reslove it. I fear my problem is more complex. I am convinced it is somthing other that my stereo system. I have disconnected all power sources the cd player and amps. My problem still presists...

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Your in Mass, Im in CT, wanna give me a try?????
I like a challenge.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[r1_addict]

Halleluiah, the geniuses at McMulken Chevrolet finally figure out the BCM itself is the cause of the problem and they replaced it today. I should have my baby back this afternoon...